Don't Let It Grow Cold (Matt.24:12; 1Sam.3:2-4)

The Daily (NASB) Reading: 1 John 3:1-3

Now in coming to the Love of the Father, how is Christ “the substance” of the Father’s love to the world through the local church that has been made to be the light of Christ in the world? (v.1)

If we recall, we already did a quick meditation on how the church is Christ’s light in the world in our reading of 1 John 1, that the church is those who are called out of darkness to be children of the light. So I’m not going to go into much explanation on that here except by way of remembrance.

Leviticus 24:2 (NKJV)

2 “Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually.

Ephesians 5:8–10 (NKJV)

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

Philippians 2:14–16 (NKJV)

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Matthew 5:13–16 (NKJV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 16:8–9 (NKJV)

8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. 9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.

John 8:12 (NKJV)

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 9:4–5 (NKJV)

4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 11:9–10 (NKJV)

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

But since it is applicable to the context, and because it’s the seasonal remembrance of Christ’s birth into the world, I want to give an explanation of what it means that the light of Christ was given as “goodwill” to be the light of life for men.

Luke 2:8–14 (NKJV)

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

I recently came across a discernment ministry, which I am leaving unnamed at this time, that offered his opinion on why the modern translations of the earliest manuscripts interpret Luke 2:14 differently than the received scripts of the reformation. Now I am not ashamed to identify with the traditional understanding of Calvinism, so this is not in defense against that traditional system of theology, but I do believe there is “a possible” conspiracy around making an interpretation through the modern translations of the earlier scripts with a bias toward Calvinism. Again, I am absolutely not ashamed of that system of theology, but I don’t believe that it is a trustworthy rendering of the scripts on both sides of the manuscript traditions. The NASB and others render it:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased,”

... from the early script of:

Luke 2:14 (SBLGNT)

14 Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις θεῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκίας.

But the NKJV renders it:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

... from the received script:

Luke 2:14 (Byz)

14 Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη· ἐν ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία.

And he is correct; there is a very small difference between the two script traditions, and the difference is the genitive case of the word “goodwill.” But here’s the conspiracy! If we still go with the early script in the genitive case, it doesn’t change the fact that it is the genitive of the anthropois, which is the men of this context, not God. Therefore it would be rendered something like this: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, in men of goodwill. And then there’s that preposition that can be translated in three distinct ways. The preposition “en” can be rendered as “toward,” “among,” “in,” “with,” and even “by.” But the clue that we have in the immediate context helps us understand how the preposition should be understood as it is found in Luke 2:10. Therefore, the purpose of the good news of great joy is to come through the goodwill on whom this peace rests. Therefore the peace of Christ [is] among those with whom God is well pleased (Matt.17:5). But the strict rendering of the verse is not “towards” the men of goodwill but through the men of goodwill, in the same way, that Christ made peace toward God on behalf of sinners (Matt.5:9).

Secondly, just because it’s genitive doesn’t mean the normal nominative is canceled out. For example, there is no article in the text that should cause us to make it genitive of an antecedent noun such as God, as is also genitively demonstrated in Philippians 2:13, where [there is] an article that is antecedent to God as the nominative noun.

(SBLGNT)

13 θεὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ τὸ θέλειν καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν ὑπὲρ ((τῆς) εὐδοκίας).

Therefore the pronoun “He” and verb action was added as an interpretative sense in the modern translations. But there is neither a verb nor an article to justify it to make that interpretation! Therefore the genitive is nominative of the nominative noun “peace.” Therefore it can also be rendered: “peace among men of goodwill.”

Thirdly, the Greek word “eudokias” in this context doesn’t mean pleasure but strictly goodwill.

2306 εὐδοκία (eudokia), ας (as), ἡ (hē): n.fem.; ≡ DBLHebr 8356; Str 2107; TDNT 2.742—1. LN 25.88 what pleases, goodwill, (Mt 11:26; Lk 2:14; 10:21; Eph 1:5, 9; Php 1:15; 2:13; 2Th 1:11+); 2. LN 25.8 desire, what is wished for (Ro 10:1+), note: there may be overlap in the verses and entries

Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

We find that the word is used to speak of good “wishing.”

Romans 10:1 (NKJV)

1 Brethren, my heart’s desire (eudokia) and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.

Philippians 1:15 (NKJV)

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill (eudokia):

Therefore in these contexts, it is clearly not speaking of Paul’s pleasure but his goodwill or good intentions in his prayers. And I believe that is what the Angel is relaying to the shepherds that they may search for the sign of this child kept in the feeding trough for animals. This is the humility of God by which he came to humble sinners by showing them that they are like animals that need to feast upon the peace and humility of God that is laid in this manger for their salvation (Rom.8:3).

Ecclesiastes 3:16–22 (NKJV)

16 Moreover I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, Wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness, Iniquity was there. 17 I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” 18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” 19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust. 21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth? 22 So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

The answer then is that this child will bring a man to see what happens in death and where the soul shall go and that he needs to retain his soul rather than lose it in the nature of the animal.

Mark 8:36–38 (NKJV)

36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

Genesis 6:3 (NKJV)

3 And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”

Isaiah 31:1–3 (NKJV)

1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the Lord! 2 Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster, And will not call back His words, But will arise against the house of evildoers, And against the help of those who work iniquity. 3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out His hand, Both he who helps will fall, And he who is helped will fall down; They all will perish together.

Galatians 5:17 (NKJV)

17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Therefore since Christ is the substance of the Father’s love in all of His light and goodwill (1Jn.1:1-5), it is important to understand that no one is called a child of God except through Him. But since Christ has ascended to God, he has sent the Spirit of Christ into the church to be the means of God’s goodwill toward men (that) they too may be called children of God. (v.1)

Therefore the same way God gave His only Beloved Son to be the Savior of all men, he also gave the church “for this reason” to hold the ministry of reconciliation through (the substance) of this love that abides in the brethren through Christ. Therefore the church is called the children of God “for this reason” (that) through the substance of Christ, the love of God may be poured out upon the world (that) beholds Him. Literally, it can be rendered: “Behold what manner of love bestowed on us so that for this reason the Father should call us children of God, and we are His children. The world does not know us because it did not know Him.”

1 Timothy 4:10 (NKJV)

10 For to this end, we both labor and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 (NKJV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you, on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Therefore why do many choose not to abide among the children of God’s light? (v.1)

John 1:4–5

4 In Him was life, and [that] life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:9–11 (NKJV)

9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

If Christ came to his own, and they did not receive him, should we be surprised if the world will not receive us? (v.1)

1 John 3:13 (NKJV)

13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.

Therefore in remembrance of the previous meditation of our reading of 1 John (1Jn.2:18,28), what was the goal of coming to the Table of Christ as “little children” (paidia) as its purpose is revealed here? (v.2)

Wasn’t it so that they could be called beloved children of God? The purpose of coming to the Table is to receive (the substance of love) that God has poured out through Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:16–18 (NKJV)

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

Acts 2:33–36 (NKJV)

33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. 34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Acts 10:45 (NKJV)

45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

Romans 5:5 (NKJV)

5 Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Titus 3:4–7 (NKJV)

4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Therefore to become and be called the beloved children of God, we must dwell among the true children of God to hear and receive the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 10:6–17 (NKJV)

6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Colossians 1:9–14 (NKJV)

9 For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

And therefore, by this means, we come to know that we are the children of God. (v.2:28-29)

Therefore what is it that the “beloved” children of God practice that testifies before God and men that they are indeed the children of God?

Romans 10:6–7 (NKJV)

Romans 3:19–26 (NKJV)

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 5:1–2 (NKJV)

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Galatians 3:22–25 (NKJV)

22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Therefore it is also for this reason that the world doesn’t know us, for if the world doesn’t know us, it cannot know Him who sent us. (v.1)

Therefore the substance of our love must be of Christ, for it is His seed that abides in us to obey this commandment to love the brethren through the substance of our eternal life. (v.2:29)

1 John 3:14 (NKJV)

14 We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

1 John 3:23–24 (NKJV)

23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this, we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

1 John 3:9 (NKJV)

9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

1 Peter 1:22–25 (NKJV)

22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

Therefore apart from knowing God through Christ, we cannot be called children of God who practice this righteousness. (v.2:29)

And if we are not practicing this righteousness as Christ is righteous, we demonstrate that we are not born of God. Therefore to practice righteousness can only mean practicing this perfect love of God through justification by faith since the standard is perfect righteousness.

Matthew 5:43–48 (NKJV)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore, you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

1 John 4:17–19 (NKJV)

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Since the standard of our love must equal to the Father’s love, the love that is poured out from the Table of the Lord’s grace must be just as hospitable!

Luke 23:34 (NKJV)

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Acts 7:59–60 (NKJV)

59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Romans 12:19–21 (NKJV)

19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:10–14 (NKJV)

10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

1 Peter 4:9–10 (NKJV)

9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)

2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Matthew 18:21–35 (NKJV)

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant, therefore, fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Therefore when the world, like infants (nepioi) is being tossed to and fro, comes in and out of the elementary principles of the new covenant, like our Father, our hosting of the Lord’s Table must show hospitality to them as the Spirit works to call out a people for God through the substance of Jesus Christ and the Almighty Providence that God has ordered in the manner of His love for the church.

Romans 8:28–30 (NKJV)

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Ephesians 4:11–16 (NKJV)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Hebrews 6:1–3 (NKJV)

1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (NKJV)

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Colossians 1:21–23 (NKJV)

21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Ephesians 5:8–10 (NKJV)

Hebrews 10:32 (NKJV)

32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:

1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV)

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

Therefore consider Nicodemus, who is an example of those who sought to understand this present hope by regularly coming to Christ to have his questions answered and, in the end, his hope secured by soaking himself in the purity of the doctrine of God in Christ Jesus. (v.3)

John 3:1–21 (NKJV)

1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

John 7:45–53 (NKJV)

45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” 46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” 47 Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” 52 They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” 53 And everyone went to his own house.

John 19:38–42 (NKJV)

38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

But how, then, do we purify ourselves? (v.3)

Look back at (1Jn.3:28) so that we do not fall away. We must continue to come to Him until we are called his “beloved” by both the Word which you now hear and by the Holy Spirit that bears witness with our spiritual body that we are the children of God.

Romans 8:14–17 (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God; these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

1 Corinthians 6:17–20

17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which [is] God’s.

Therefore we must be content to abide as “little children” to learn the confidence of not shrinking back to the inflated pride of our imagined self-worth, thinking that we do not deserve the discipline of the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1–11 (NKJV)

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

We must learn, therefore, what it is to practice righteousness by this faith and to examine what it is to be born of God. (2:29)

Those born of God will come to the Light because the Spirit of Truth is given to them. Everyone of the truth hears the voice of Christ and comes out of their grave to walk in the light of Christ. Therefore the truth and righteousness that is practiced by faith is practiced in the light as Christ is in the light, which is the message that we have heard from the beginning and does not change (Gal.1:6-10). Therefore the manner of this love is not a love that tolerates all manner of evil but welcomes all manner of men who seek to be ransomed from the chains of darkness and corruption of the world.

John 3:19–21 (NKJV)

19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

John 4:23–24 (NKJV)

23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1 Timothy 2:3–7 (NKJV)

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2 Peter 3:8–9 (NKJV)

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.